National portal to enhance Saudi urban landscape launched

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the urban landscape of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing have jointly unveiled a national portal.

The launching ceremony took place during the inaugural edition of the Global Smart City Forum 2024, held in Riyadh on Monday. This two-day event, organized by SDAIA in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts towards smart city development.

The primary objective of the newly introduced platform is to monitor visual distortions within urban areas, employing artificial intelligence technologies to analyze and address these issues effectively. Furthermore, it aims to elevate the overall quality of life, aligning with the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2030.

The forum, which commenced on Monday, has brought together a distinguished assembly of global experts specializing in smart city infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Their collective focus is on crafting a forward-looking vision for cities, leveraging smart solutions, and establishing foundational principles to support sustainable urban development.

During his keynote address, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, underscored the remarkable transformation journey undertaken by Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the nation’s successful utilization of AI technology and data to drive tangible improvements across municipalities.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, President of SDAIA, highlighted the significant strides made in traffic and crowd management through the deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions. He cited a notable example of the successful collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, which resulted in a substantial reduction in waiting times at entry points to Makkah during the previous Hajj season.

The launch of the national portal signifies a proactive approach towards leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban environments and contribute to the overall well-being of Saudi citizens. With continued collaboration and innovation, Saudi Arabia is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in smart city development on the global stage.